Most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez : which ones to visit?
Dream of discovering authentic Provence, beyond the glamour of the jewel of the French Riviera? Explore the most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez, true gems of the Gulf.
Grimaud, Gassin, Ramatuelle and Sainte-Maxime: these names evoke an authentic charm that time seems to have spared. Here, stone houses are adorned with colourful flowers. Vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see across the Massif des Maures, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop. Each village in the region offers a unique experience, blending medieval heritage with traditional Provençal life.
- The hilltop villages of the Tropézien hinterland
- The beautiful coastal villages near Saint-Tropez
- Other villages of character around Saint-Tropez
- Where to stay to explore the Gulf of Saint-Tropez?
- Practical Guide to Exploring the most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez
- Conclusion: why the most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez are worth visiting?
The Hilltop Villages of the Tropézien Hinterland
The Tropézien hinterland is dotted with hilltop villages such as Grimaud, Gassin, Ramatuelle,La Garde-Freinet and Bormes-les-Mimosas which bear witness to a rich medieval past. Set off to discover these villages, each with its own identity and spectacular views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Mediterranean Sea.
Grimaud: a medieval village frozen in time
Grimaud is one of the most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez. An absolute must-visit, it is located just 20 minutes from Saint-Tropez. Perched on a lush green hillside, this medieval village is dominated by the imposing ruins of its feudal castle, which offer an exceptional panoramic view over the entire Gulf.
Not to be missed in Grimaud:
- The cobblestone alleyways winding between houses with colourful facades
- The vaulted passageways and picturesque stairways that delight photographers
- The Saint-Roch Mill perfectly restored
- The Saint-Michel Church with its understated yet elegant architecture
Don’t forget your camera and come early morning or late afternoon to capture the golden light that glorifies the old stone walls. Wait for sunset to admire the view from the castle, which offers a 360-degree panorama over the entire Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Gassin: a village, several breathtaking panoramas
Situated at 200 metres above sea level and listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, Gassin offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the entire region. From the orientation table at Deï Barri, one can admire the Îles d’Or (Port-Cros, Levant and Bagaud), the Bay of Cavalaire and a large part of the Saint-Tropez peninsula.
The narrow lanes of Gassin are lined with stone houses featuring pastel-coloured facades, often adorned with bougainvillea and jasmine. The atmosphere is authentically Provençal, ideal for a coffee break on one of the shaded terraces.
Not to be missed in Gassin:
- The famous Rue de l’Androuno, considered one of the narrowest streets in the world
- The Porte des Sarrazins, the main entrance to the medieval fort and a rare example of 14th-century military architecture
- The Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Church, a building constructed on a rock and consecrated in 1582, with works listed as Historic Monuments
- The Hardy-Denonain botanical garden with its hundred Mediterranean and Provençal plants and spices
Ramatuelle: A village close to the most beautiful beaches on the coast
Ramatuelle is a unique village among those to visit around Saint-Tropez, owing to its proximity to the most beautiful beaches in the region: the mythical Pampelonne Beach, with 5 km of fine sand and crystal-clear waters, as well as the Escaland Beach, the legendary Tahiti Beach, and the Bonporteau Bay.
Perched on a hillside, Ramatuelle is also a village steeped in history. Dominated by its distinctive bell tower, the heart of Ramatuelle captivates with its spiral lanes winding up to the top of the village, its local craft shops and art galleries, and its small squares shaded by ancient plane trees.
Not to be missed in Ramatuelle:
- The Eiffel Staircase on Place Gabriel Péri, one of the village’s iconic landmarks
- The Paillas Windmills, five windmills built between the 16th and 19th centuries, one of which was fully restored to its original design in 2002 with a wooden mechanism
- The Sainte-Anne Chapel, the filming location of “The Gendarme se marie” starring Louis de Funès
- The Cap Camarat Lighthouse and its spectacular scenery
La Garde-Freinet: authenticity at the heart of the Maures
Nestled in the heart of the Massif des Maures, La Garde-Freinet is a historic fortified village well worth discovering in the area around Saint-Tropez.
Awarded the label “Villages of Character of the Var”, it is at once discreet and picturesque.Take the time to savour the peaceful atmosphere by strolling through the village lanes, lined with charming old Provençal houses.
Not to be missed in La Garde-Freinet:
- Fort-Freinet, a remarkable site with a moat carved into the rock, overlooking the medieval village
- The Croix des Maures, located below the Fort, offers a lovely view over the entire village
- The Saint-Clément Chapel, reimagined by Italian sculptor Di Teana in the 1960s
- The local speciality: a delicious artisan chestnut cream, made from chestnuts sourced from the massif
The beautiful coastal villages near Saint-Tropez
The Gulf of Saint-Tropez would not be what it is without its coastal villages, each of which has its own unique relationship with the sea. Port-Grimaud and its canals, Sainte-Maxime and its elegant seafront: two contrasting destinations that perfectly complement a tour of the hinterland.
Port-Grimaud: the « Provençal Venice »
Created in the 1960s by architect François Spoerry, Port-Grimaud is a one-of-a-kind lakeside town. This “little Venice of Provence” is built on a network of canals where colourful houses are reflected in the water, small bridges link the neighbourhoods and boats are moored directly in front of the homes.
Although modern in origin, the marina was designed in harmony with traditional Provençal architecture and makes for a remarkable visual spectacle.
Not to be missed in Port-Grimaud:
- The picturesque bridges and quays to stroll along and watch the boats
- The café terraces and restaurants canalside
- The unique atmosphere with its Venetian influences
- The Saint-Francis of Assisi ecumenical church and its central square
Sainte-Maxime: the finest views over Saint-Tropez and the Massif des Maures
Situated opposite Saint-Tropez on the other side of the Gulf, Sainte-Maxime is a seaside resort with a palm-lined seafront, unspoilt sandy beaches and a covered market rich in local produce.
The town has preserved an authentic seaside atmosphere, far removed from the prestige tourism of Saint-Tropez, while benefiting from the same outstanding natural setting
Not to be missed in Sainte-Maxime:
- The Tour Carrée, emblem of the historic centre
- The parish church built in 1762, richly appointed with 17th-century furnishings and a magnificent altar in green and ochre serpentine stone
- The Nartelle Beach, the quintessential family beach
- The Jardin Botanique des Myrtes, a 3-hectare park home to 60 varieties of plants
The other villages of character around Saint-Tropez
Beyond the best-known destinations, the villages of Cogolin, La Croix-Valmer and La Môle are well worth a detour for their individuality and their less touristy, unspoilt atmosphere.
Cogolin: artisan traditions and authenticity
Just a few kilometres from Saint-Tropez, Cogolin is the artisanal heart of the Gulf, where centuries-old traditions are still very much alive.
The village centre, with its lanes and shaded squares, is well worth exploring on foot. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the market fills the town with local producers. The mood here is resolutely far removed from the summer bustle of the nearby coast.
Not to be missed in Cogolin :
- The pipe and carpet workshops
- The famous reed manufacturing workshop for wind instruments
- The Clock Tower adorned with sundials
- The preserved historic centre with its artisan boutiques
La Croix-Valmer: vineyards and unspoilt coves
Nestled between sea and hills, La Croix-Valmer offers a natural and unspoilt setting. The atmosphere is more peaceful than in neighbouring villages, making it ideal for coastal hiking and rosé wine tastings at nearby estates such as Château de Chausse, Domaine de la Madrague and Domaine de La Croix.
Not to be missed in La Croix-Valmer:
- The unspoilt beaches and coves (Gigaro and Sylvabelle)
- The wine estates producing excellent AOC Côtes de Provence wines
- The coastal footpath offering breathtaking panoramas
- The residential villas from the early 20th century with their distinctive “tulip-shaped” architecture (flared silhouettes)
La Môle: the quiet charm of a preserved valley
Nestled in a verdant valley, La Môle is the most discreet yet no less charming village in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Far from any tourist crowds, it is the perfect starting point for hikers wishing to explore the Massif des Maures and its unspoilt landscapes.
Not to be missed in La Môle:
- The charming traditional village centre.
- The 16th-century château set within magnificent grounds
- The Sainte-Madeleine Church from the 11th century, perched on the hillside
The Verne dam and lake, immersed in nature just moments from the village
Where to Stay to Explore the Gulf of Saint-Tropez?
To make the most of your stay exploring the most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez, here are our three accommodation recommendations. Each property offers a unique experience and an ideal base for discovering the region.
The Suffren – Elegance at the heart of the Provençal Venice
Our 4-star hotel in Port-Grimaud is nestled right at the heart of the lakeside town. It is a magnificent property that immerses you completely in the unique atmosphere of the little Venice of the Var.
The rooms, decorated in a contemporary Mediterranean style, all offer breathtaking views of the marina or the colourful squares of the town. The true strength of the Suffren lies in its privileged location, which allows you to explore Port-Grimaud on foot and soak up the magical atmosphere of the place once the day-trippers have left.
Domaine de l’Astragale – Understated luxury in Gassin
Set beside the sea just 200 metres from the Bouillabaisse beach, the Domaine de l’Astragale is a haven of peace at the gateway to Saint-Tropez.
This luxury hotel in Saint-Tropez blends the refinement of a 5-star hotel with the intimacy of a private residence. The suites and villas are nestled within a lush Mediterranean park, offering complete tranquillity just 10 minutes from the buzz of Saint-Tropez.
Hôtel La Mandarine – Authentic charm in the heart of Saint-Tropez
For those who want to be close to the action while preserving their peace and quiet, the Hôtel La Mandarine offers the best of both worlds.
Set within a lush garden just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Place des Lices and the harbour, this charming 5-star hotel in Saint-Tropez has retained the spirit of a traditional Tropézien family home. What sets La Mandarine apart is its intimate atmosphere and personalised service. The garden, with its pool shaded by umbrella pines, is a cool oasis after a day of exploring.
Practical Guide to Exploring the most beautiful villages in the area around Saint-Tropez
Before you set off, here is some useful information to help you plan your stay with peace of mind. Best times to visit, how to gand around and visiting tips: here is everything you need to know to make the most of each outing.
What is the best time to discover the Saint-Tropez region?
The Gulf of Saint-Tropez can be visited year-round, but the months of May, June, September and October offer the best balance: pleasant weather, particularly beautiful light, and villages you can explore without the pressure of peak season.
Spring in Provence, with its mimosa blossom and wild flowers, is a season all too often overlooked — as is autumn, with its golden hues.
How to gand around between the most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez ?
- By car: the most flexible option, and essential for reaching the hilltop villages. Plan to park at the village entrances (signposted car parks) and arrive before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. in season to find a space with ease.
- By boat: seasonal water shuttles connect Saint-Tropez to Port-Grimaud and Sainte-Maxime. A picturesque alternative that sidesteps the traffic jams on the coastal road.
- By bus: the Varlib network serves the main towns and villages, with timetables that vary by season.
- By bike: some routes between Port-Grimaud, Cogolin and Grimaud are accessible via cycle path — perfect for those who want to enjoy the region at the leisurely pace of a cycling tour.
Can you visit several villages around Saint-Tropez in a single day?
Yes, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is easy to cover by car and the distances are relatively short. It all depends on how long you wish to spend at each village.
A well-paced day naturally divides into two parts: visit a hilltop or characterful village in the morning when the lanes are still quiet and the light is golden, then head to a coastal village in the early afternoon to enjoy the sea and finish the day by the water.
The mistake to avoid is trying to rush through several villages in one day at the height of summer. Far better to choose one or two and truly explore them, rather than skimming over them quickly. A tip that holds just as true for a family break as for a romantic weekend away.
Conclusion: why the most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez are worth visiting?
Because they offer what Saint-Tropez alone cannot provide: the silence of Grimaud’s medieval lanes, the dizzying view from Gassin, the scent of mimosa at Bormes, the living craft traditions of Cogolin, the wild coves of La Croix-Valmer.
Each village reveals a different facet of the region. Together they paint a portrait of Provence that one would never suspect from the port of Saint-Tropez.
Whether you are a lover of cultural heritage, gastronomy or simply in search of authenticity, the most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez will captivate you and create unforgettable memories during your holiday in the Gulf.